Traffic info about Reefer Transport

Important information about worldwide transport

Here you will find important traffic information on Reefer Transport. You are, of course, always more than welcome to reach out to your local Blue Water contact for further information.

October 2024

Temporary booking stop to and from Haiti 

We want to inform you of a temporary suspension of bookings by carriers operating in Haiti.

Due to the civil unrest in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, several carriers, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, are experiencing operational disruptions. As a result, the carriers have decided to stop new bookings to and from Haiti in order to avoid congestion at the terminals.

The Haitian government is working to restore security to the port facilities, but at this time we cannot say when normal operations will resume. Some carriers still offer alternative ports as Lafitou and Cap Haitian, but on a reduced service.

At Blue Water we understand the challenges that such disruptions can cause, and we are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as required. Please do not hesitate to contact your Blue Water representative for any further information or assistance with your bookings.

August 2024

Reefer Road: Capacity challenges put pressure on market

The road transport market is currently under pressure. We would like to update you on the current challenges affecting capacity and pricing.

Along with other operators, we have seen increasing pressure on prices and a growing concern among hauliers, leasing companies and other operators in the road transport market. These factors have begun to affect the market in ways that are evident today and are likely to continue for some time. 

Large fluctuations in supply and demand are causing prices to rise rapidly, and inflation is also affecting operating costs. The geopolitical situation combined with a continued driver shortage adds to the challenges. These factors are making it increasingly difficult for hauliers to stay in business, leading to more bankruptcies. As a result, capacity is decreasing, causing carriers to raise prices.

We expect these factors to continue to put pressure on the market in the near future. Despite these challenges, the Blue Water team is working hard to manage the situation and we are committed to providing the best possible service to our customers. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your usual Blue Water contact.

November 2023

Significant increase of CO2 maut (German road tax)  

At the end of October, the German parliament approved the increase in the CO2 maut as of 1 December 2023. For 5-axle EURO-6 vehicles, the increase amounts to 83.2%. From 1 December, the new EU Road Tax rates will be available on our website.

Where does the maut increase apply?

• Road freight to and from Germany
• Transit through Germany e.g. Poland to Belgium 

If you have any questions regarding this, please reach out to your usual Blue Water contact who will be happy to help. 

September 2023

EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)

From January 1, 2024, the ETS will be introduced, affecting ferry traffic within the EU/EEA collaboration. ETS is an emissions tax (CO2) applicable to commercial ferries i.e., ferries of minimum 5000 gross tonnage with freight and passengers. The implementation will be phased in as follows:

• Payment of 40% reported emissions by January 1, 2024
• Payment of 70% reported emissions by January 1, 2025
• Payment of 100% reported emissions by January 1, 2026

ETS will affect freight costs to/from the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Baltic countries. We are following announcements from the shipping lines and will provide more information later this year.